Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a 5,000-ton destroyer and oversaw a missile test, asserting the navy's need for "powerful attack capabilities," as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to Thai News Agency, Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of modernizing North Korea's naval fleet to enhance its power in the Pacific Ocean, citing provocations from the United States and its allies. During his visit to the Nampo shipyard, he outlined a national strategy from the recent 9th Workers' Party Congress, which includes building two surface warships of the same or higher class annually under a new five-year plan. Reports indicate that Kim also observed a test firing of a "strategic cruise missile" from the ship.

KCNA reported that during his two-day mission on Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim inspected the "Choe Hyon," the first destroyer in the 5,000-ton "Choe Hyon" class under construction, and discussed plans for constructing a third ship of the same class at the shipyard.

Regarding the second ship in the "Cho Hyun" class, its initial launch failed in May 2025, resulting in the detention of related officials. However, KCNA noted that the ship was repaired and relaunched in June of last year.

The North Korean leader also expressed satisfaction with the progress in the deployment of nuclear weapons within the North Korean navy.